Rod guide or paraffin scraper



p 1968 M. E. POURCHOT 3,399,730

ROD GUIDE OR PARAFFIN SCRAPER Filed Feb. 9, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 l fe/Vin E. Pourchof INVENTOR.

BY Mum 10mm A TTDRNE Y P 1968 M. E. POURCHOT 3,399,730

ROD GUIDE OR PARAFFIN SCRAPER Filed Feb. 9, 1967 s Sheets-Sheet 2 /20 m6 108 82 J Fz'of 5 7 Melvin E. Paurchot INVENTOR.

F 9 FY3210 ATTORNE Y Sept. 3, 1968 M. Ef ouRcHoT ROD GUIDE OR PAR AFFIN SCRAPER s Shets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 9. 1967 Fin. [2

Melvin E Pourchol R. mM m V W.

4 MY .5 MN W T w w United States Patent 3,399,730 ROD GUIDE 0R PARAFFIN SCRAPER Melvin E. Pourchot, Shawnee, 0kla., assignor to Central Research, Inc., Shawnee, Okla., a corporation of Oklahoma Filed Feb. 9, 1967, Ser. No. 614,898 8 Claims. (Cl. 166-176) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A guide, a paraffin scraper, or the like, for a reciprocating rod wherein the guide is constructed of two substantially identical half sections adapted to be disposed adjacent the opposite sides of the outer periphery of the rod. Telescopic orientation of the two half sections wedges the guide or scraper around the outer periphery of the rod.

This invention relates to improvements in rod guides, parafiin scrapers, or the like, for sucker rods in pumping oil wells and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a rod guide, parafiin scraper, or the like, particularly designed and constructed for facilitating the installation thereof on the rod.

As is well known, the sucker rods in pumping oil wells normally extend longitudinally through the well bore or well tubing and are reciprocated therein during the pumping operation. Since most well bores are not straight, and many are purposefully drilled at an angle, the rods frequently wear against or engage the walls of the tubing during reciprocation thereof, which creates detrimental wear on the rods. In addition, most of the rods are constructed of metal and are usually subject to electrolytic action resulting from the electrical forces normally present underground, which further damages the rods and requires replacement thereof. It is usually necessary to pull the rods from the well bore in order to replace or repair the damaged portion thereof, and this is expensive and time consuming, particularly in deep wells wherein the rods may be extremely long. In addition, the well fluid in many producing oil or gas wells usually contains paraffin in solution therein. The temperature of the well fluid in the lower portions of the well bore is usually sufficiently high to retain the paraffin in a liquid state. However, as the well fluid is raised to the surface of the ground through the well tubing during the pumping or producing operation, the temperature of the fluid is usually reduced and the parafiin tends to solidify and accumulate on the inner periphery of the tubing.

In order to reduce the wear of the rods against the sidewalls of the well tubing, rod guide devices have been developed for installation around the outer periphery of the rod and spaced longitudinally therealong, such as the rod guide disclosed in my co-pending application Ser. No. 469,372 filed July 6, 1965, now Patent No. 3,370,894, and entitled, Rod Guide. In an effort to overcome the problem created by the accumulation of paraffin, it is common practice to provide a plurality of parafiin scraping devices spaced longitudinally along the rod whereby the paraffin will be scraped from the inner periphery of the tubing during reciprocation of the rod. In addition, a combination parafiin scraper and rod guide has been developed as shown in my copending application Ser. No. 397,182, now Patent No. 3,329,212, filed Sept. 17, 7964, and entitled, Paraffin Scraper and Rod Guide. These devices, however, have certain disadvantages in that the outer diameter of the rod is usually not exact or true in either size of circular configuration throughout the length thereof. Consequently, it becomes difficult to secure the devices 3,399,730 Patented Sept. 3, 1968 around the outer periphery of the rod in a manner precluding slippage thereof along the rod. In addition, independent fastening devices, such as threaded members, and the like, may become dislodged during the use of the apparatus, and this is a serious disadvantage in that the loosened parts may fall to the bottom of the bore and become entangled in the pumping equipment.

The present invention contemplates a novel rod guide, paraffin scraper, combination guide and paraflin scraper, or the like, particularly designed and constructed for facilitating the installation thereof around a rod. The novel guide or scraper is preferably constructed from a suitable plastic material which is corrosion resistant, sheds paraffin, and has insulating properties for protection of the rod from electrolytic action. Each device is constructed of two substantially identical half sections having an inner periphery adapted to be disposed adjacent the outer periphery of the rod. Each half section is provided with a tongue portion and a groove portion for receiving the complementary tongue and groove portion of the mating half section whereby the two half sections may be longi tudinally or telescopically orientated with respect to each other for securely wedging the sections around the rod. In addition, each half section is provided with serrations or ratchet teeth for securely locking the half sections against a reverse longitudinal movement for substantially precluding any accidental disengagement of the half sections subsequent to installation thereof around the rod. The novel guide, scraper, or the like, is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel rod guide, or the like, particularly designed and constructed for facilitating the installation thereof around the outer periphery of a reciprocal rod.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel rod guide, or the like, adapted to be securely wedged around the outer periphery of a reciprocal rod without the utilization of additional locking or securing members.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel rod guide comprising a pair of substantially identical half sections for facilitating the construction and reducing the cost thereof.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel rod guide, or the like, wherein accidental dislodging thereof subsequent to installation around a rod is substantially precluded.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a half section of a rod guide embodying the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken on line 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of an assembled rod guide embodying the invention.

FIGURE 4 is a view taken on line 44 of FIG- URE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of FIG- URE 3.

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of a half section of a combined rod guide and parafiin scraper embodying the invention.

FIGURE 7 is a view taken on line 77 of FIGURE 6, with a portion depicted in section for purposes of illustration.

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view of an assembled rod guide and parafiin scraper embodying the invention.

FIGURE 9 is a view taken on line 9-9 of FIG- URE 7.

FIGURE is a view taken on line 10- 10 of FIG- URE 8.

FIGURE 11 is a side elevational view of a half section of a modified combination rod guide and paratfin scraper embodying the invention.

FIGURE 12 is a view taken on line 1212 of FIG- URE 11.

FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view of an assembled combined rod guide and paraffin scraper embodying the invention.

FIGURE 14 is a view taken on line 14-14 of FIG- URE 12.

FIGURE 15 is a view taken on line 15-15 of FIG- URE 13.

Referring to the drawings in detail and particularly FIG- URES 1 through 5, a rod guide generally indicated at 10 is depicted which comprises a pair of substantially identical half sections 12 and 14 preferably constructed from a suitable plastic material having properties for shedding parafiin and for reducing electrolytic action. Since the half sections 12 and 14 are identical the construction of section 12 only will be set forth in detail herein. The half section 12 comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical body portion 16 having a semi-circular inner periphery or bore 18 adapted to be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of a circular rod (not shown). Outwardly directed flanges or lips 20 and 22 are provided on the body 16 adjacent the open end or edge of the semi-circular bore 18 and extend longitudinally throughout substantially half the length of the body 16. The upper surfaces 24 and 26 of the lips 20 and 22, respectively, are substantially flat or straight as particularly shown in FIGURE 2, for receiving the complementary surface of the corresponding half section 14 thereagainst upon assembly of the device 10 as will be hereinafter set forth. The lower edge or surfaces 28 and 30 of each flange 20 and 22, respectively, is slightly tapered as particularly shown in FIGURES 2 and 4 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. A plurality of ratchet teeth or serrations 32 and 34 are provided on the outer edge of each flange 20 and 22, respectively, in the proximity of the outer end thereof as will be seen in FIGURES 1 and 2.

The body 16 is enlarged on each side of the bore 18, as shown at 36 and 38. The enlarged portions 36 and 38 extend longitudinally along the body 16 throughout substantially one half the length thereof and provide a shoulder 40 and 42, respectively, conterminous with the end of the lips 20 and 22. An inwardly directed groove or recess 44. and 46 is provided in the enlarged portions 36 and 38, respectively conterminous with the bore 18 whereby the lower edge of each groove 44 and 46 forms a continuation of the surfaces 24 and 26, respectively. Thus, the surfaces 24 and 26 extend throughout the length of the body 16 and function in the manner of guide rails in a manner and for a purpose as well be hereinafter set forth. The upper edge 48 and 50 of the grooves 44 and 46, respectively, are slightly tapered complementary to the tapered surfaces 28 and 30 as will be particularly evident in FIGURE 2. The recesses 44 and 46 are cut away at 52 and 54 and are provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth or serrations 56 and 58, respectively, for cooperation with the serrations 32 and 34 of the complementary half section 14 for locking the two half sections 12 and 14 in an assembled position as will be hereinafter set forth.

The enlarged portions 36 and 38 are provided with an arcuate outer periphery as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, complementary to the configuration of inner periphery of well tubing or the like (not shown) within which the rod having the device 10 installed thereon is disposed during utilization thereof. An additional outwardly extending or enlarged portion 60 is provided on the outer periphery of the body 16 and extends longitudinally substantially throughout the length thereof. The outer periphery of the enlarged member 60 is also of an arcuate configuration whereby the members 36, 38 and 60 determine a cylindrical surface complementary to the configuration of the inner periphery of the well tubing. A longitudinally extending passageway 62 is formed or provided between the enlarged portions 36 and 60 and a similar longitudinally extending passageway is provided or formed between the enlarged members 60 and 38 (FIGURES 4 and 5). Each end of the enlarged portion 60 is beveled or tapered, as shown at 66 and 68 in FIGURES 2 and 3, and the outer end of each enlarged portion 36 and 38 is beveled or tapered as shown at 70 and 72 in FIGURE 1. In addition, the opposite ends of the body 16 are flat as shown at 71 and 73 for facilitating installation of the device 10 around the rod.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly directed ribs 74 (FIGURE 4) are provided on the inner periphery or bore 18 and extend longitudinally substantially throughout the length of the body 16. The innermost points or terminal position of the ribs or ridges 74 substantially determine a semi-circle of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the bore 18.

In order to install the device 10 around the outer periphery of a rod (not shown) the two half sections 12 and 14 may be disposed adjacent opposite sides of the rod and slightly longitudinally off-set from each other in such a manner that a portion of the corresponding surfaces 24 and 26 of each half section are in abutment. The half sections 12 and 14 may then be moved reciprocally with respect to each other whereby the abutting surfaces slide along each other until the lips or flanges 20 and 22 of one half section are moved into the grooves 44 and 46 of the opposite half section. The two half sections may be reciprocally or longitudinally orientated with respect to each other until the half sections are in substantial alignment, as shown in FIGURE 3. The tapered surfaces 28 and 30 cooperate with the tapered surfaces 48 and 50 for wedging the half sections securely around the rod and compensate for irregular or variable diameter sizes of the rod. In addition, the engagement between the teeth 32 and 34 of the flanges 20 and 22 with the teeth 56 and 58 of the enlarged portions 36 and 38 will securely lock the half sections 12 and 14 against any accidental reverse reciprocal movement therebetween when the half sections have been longitudinally orientated sufiiciently to bring the complementary serrations into engagement. It will be apparent that the engagement between the shoulders 40 and 42 of the half section with the shoulders 40 and 42 of the other half section will limit the movement of the half sections in one direction thus precluding an over-adjustment or longitudinall1 positioning of one half section with respect to the ot er.

As a practical matter, the outer periphery of a rod which is to receive the device 10 is usually not of a consistently uniform diameter throughout its length and as a consequence, the two half sections 12 and 14 may not move respectively longitudinally through a sufficient distance for engagement of the complementary shoulders 40 and 42 prior to becoming tightly engaged around the outer periphery of the rod. It will be apparent that the wedging action of the complementary tapered surfaces, as hereinbefore set forth, will provide an engagement between the two half sections for securing thereof tightly around the rod in a manner compensating for any diameter variations in the rod. In addition, the overall length of the serrations 32 and 34 and complementary serrations 56 and 58 is suflicient that they will be engaged through a sufiicient length of longitudinal or telescopic orientation between the two half sections for locking the two half sections together against reverse longitudinal movement therebetween regardless of whether or not the complementary shoulders 40 and 42 are in actual abutting engagement. The length of the complementary serrations has been particularly selected to be in engagement under any practical circumstances of diameter variation found in a rod of the type with which the device 10 is used. In addition, the rib members 74 bite into or cut through any corrosion or coating which may be present on the outer periphery of the rod and greatly facilitates installation of the device particularly on rods which have been in service and are not perfectly clean. As a practical matter, this is of extreme importance.

As the two half sections approach the fully wedged portion around the rod 10, a hammer or the like (not shown) may be utilized for tapping on the uppermost flat end of the appropriate half section for assuring that the half sections are wedged as tightly as possible around the rod. In order to remove the device 10, the bottom flat edge of one of the half sections may be tapped with a hammer for overcoming the locking engagement of the teeth and driving one half section away from the other to release the wedging engagement therebetween. The outer periphery of the enlarged portions 36, 38 and 60 engage the inner periphery of the well tubing (not shown) and function as a guide during the reciprocation of the rod and rod guide 10 and the passageways 62 and 64 provide an area for the well fluids to pass around the device 10 upon reciprocation of the rod in the tubing.

Referring now to FIGURES 6 through 10, a combined rod guide and paraffin scraper 80 is illustrated which is generally similar to the device 10. The scraperguide 80 comprises a pair of substantially identical half sections 82 and 84, only one of which will be set forth in detail. The half section 82 comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical body 86 which is preferably constructed from a suitable plastic material, as hereinbefore set forth with regard to the device 10, and is provided with a substantially semi-cylindrical inner periphery or bore 88 adapted to be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the circular rod (not shown). Outwardly directed flanges or lips 90 and 92, similar to the flanges and 22, are provided on the body 86 adjacent the open end or edge of the semi-circular bore 18 and extend longitudinally throughout slightly more than half the length of the body 86. The upper surface 94 and 96 of the lips 90 and 92, respectively, are substantially flat or straight for receiving the complementary surfaces of the corresponding half section 84 during installation of the device 80 as will be hereinafter set forth. The lower edge of surface 98 and 100 of each flange 90 and 92, respectively, is slightly tapered as particularly shown in FIGURES 7 and 9 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. A plurality of ratchet teeth or serrations 102 and 104 are provided along the outer edge of each flange 90 and 92, respectively, in the proximity of the outer end thereof, as will be seen in FIGURES 6 and 7.

The body 86 is enlarged at 106, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, and is provided with an arcuate outer periphery of a configuration complementary to the inner periphery of the well tubing within which the rod having the device 80 secured thereon is installed. The outer end of the enlarged portion 106 is beveled or tapered at 108, and the inner end thereof terminates in a radial shoulder 110 which extends spirally or helically in opposite directions for a mid-point 112 shown in FIGURES 6 and 7.

Inwardly directed grooves or recesses 114 and 116 are provided on the inner periphery of the enlarged portion 106 and are disposed in substantial alignment for receiving the lips 90 and 92 of the complementary or mating half section 84 therein. The lower surface of the grooves 114 and 116 are conterminous with the surfaces 94 and 96 to provide a continuous surface extending throughout the length of the body 86. The upper surface of each groove 114 and 116 is tapered as shown at 118 in FIGURE 7, and is complementary to the tapered surfaces 98 and 100 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The recesses 114 and 116 are each provided with a cutaway portion 120 and 122, respectively, having teeth or serrations therein complementary to the serrations or teeth 102 and 104. Each end of the body 86 is substantially flat, as shown in 124 and 126 for facilitating installation of the device 80 around a rod.

The device is installed around a rod in the same general manner as the device 10. The two half sections 82 and 84 are disposed adjacent the opposite sides of the rod and slightly longitudinally off-set with respect to each other in such a manner that a portion of the corresponding surfaces 94 and 96 are in abutment. The half sections 82 and 84 may then be moved reciprocally or longitudinally with respect to each other whereby the abutting surfaces 94 and 96 slide along each other until the flanges and 92 of each half section are moved into engagement with the grooves 114 and 116 of the opposite or other half section. This relative longitudinal movement may be continued until the two half sections are securely wedged around the outer periphery of the rod. In order to assure that the two sections are tightly wedged on the rod, it is preferable that the upper flat edge of the device be struck with a hammer, or the like. Of course, both the upper and lower flat edges may be struck, if desired, as is also true with the device 10. The teeth 104 and 102 of each half section will be in engagement with the teeth and 122 of the mating half section to lock the half sections against accidental reverse longitudinal movement therebetween.

The spiral shoulder 110 is particularly designed to provide diverging passageways 128 (only one of which is shown in FIGURE 8) therebetween when the half sections 82 and 84 are securely wedged around the rod. In addition, the enlarged portion 106 of one half section will be disposed on one side of the rod, and the enlarged portion 106 of the other half section will be oppositely disposed on the rod. Thus, oppositely disposed longitudinal passageways 130 and 132 will be provided conterminous with the opposite ends of the passageways 128. It is preferable that the volumetric area of the passageway 130 be substantially equal to the combined volumetric areas of the passageways 128, and similarly that the volumetric area of the passageway 132 be substantially equal to the combined volumetric areas of the passageways 128. Thus, fluid moving along or across the device 80 during reciprocation of the rod will move through the passageways 128, 130 and 132 with little obstruction to the movement thereof.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinally inwardly directed ribs or ridges 134 similar to the ribs 74 are provided on the bore 88, and are for the same purpose as the ribs 74.

The outer periphery of the enlarged portions 106, being complementary to the inner periphery of the well tubing within which the device is installed, rides against the inner walls of the tubing to guide the reciprocal movement of the rod, as is well known. In addition, the spiral shoulders 110 function as scrapers for removing any accumulation of paraffin from the inner periphery of the well tubing, as is well known. In addition, the device 80, as well as the device 10, substantially precludes contact between the metallic rod and the metallic well tubing for greatly reducing, or substantially eliminating any electrolytic action therebetween.

The half sections 82 and 84 may be disengaged from the rod in the manner as set forth with regard to the device 10 when it is desired to remove the device 80' from the rod for any reason.

Referring now to FIGURES 11 through 15 a combination rod guide and paraffin scraper is shown which is of a generally similar construction to the devices 10 and 80. The guide-scraper 140 comprises a pair of substantially identical half-sections 142 and 144, only one of which will be set forth in detail herein. The guide-scraper 140 preferably constructed from a suitable plastic material, as hereinbefore set forth, and the half section 142 comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical body 146 having a semi-circular inner periphery or bore 148 adapted to be disposed adjacent the outer periphery of a circular rod (not shown). Outwardly directed lips or flanges 150 and 152, similar to the lips 20 and 22, are provided on the body 142 adjacent the open end or edge of the semicircular bore 18 and extend longitudinally throughout substantially half the length of the body 146. The upper surface 154 and 156 of the lips 150 and 152, respectively, are substantially flat or straight for receiving the complementary surface of the corresponding half section 144 thereagainst upon assembly of the device 140 as will be hereinafter set forth. The lower edge or surface 158 and 160 of each flange 150 and 152, respectively, is slightly tapered for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. A plurality of ratchet teeth or serrations 162 and 164 are provided along the outer edge of each flange 150 and 152, respectively, in the proximity of the outer edge thereof.

The body 146 is enlarged at 168 which extends into a radially outwardly extending spiral or helical flange 170. The outer periphery of the flange 170 is of a configuration complementary to the inner periphery of the well tubing within which the device is installed, or in other words, the outer periphery of the flange 170 defines a semi-cylindrical surface and is adapted to engage the inner walls of the well tubing during reciprocation of the rod therein.

The enlarged portion 168 is provided with oppositely disposed substantially aligned inwardly directed grooves 172 and 174 having the bottom surfaces thereof conterminous with the surfaces 154 and 160, respectively, to provied a continuous rail or surface throughout the length of the body 146. The upper edge of each of the grooves 172 and 174 is tapered complementary to the tapered surfaces 158 and 160 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The grooves 172 and 174 are cut-away at 176 and 178 and are provided with serrations or teeth complementary to the teeth 162 and 164. The enlarged portion 168 is tapered or "beveled at the outer end thereof as shown at 180, and the opposed ends 182 and 184 of the body 146 are flat for facilitating installation of the device around the rod. In addition, a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced inwardly directed ribs 186 are provided on the bore 148 which are similar to and for the same purpose as the ribs 74 in the device 10.

In order to install the device 140 around a rod (not shown), the two half sections 142 and 144 are oppositely disposed adjacent the outer periphery of the rod, and slightly longitudinally off-set with respect to each other, with a portion of the surfaces 162 and 164 of the section 142 abutting a portion of the surfaces 162 and 164 of the section 144. The sections '142 and 144 may then be longitudinally orientated in such a manner that the surfaces 162 and 164 of the mating sections slide along each other until the lips 150 and 152 of each section engage complementary grooves 172 and 174 of the other section. Continued relative longitudinal movement of the half sections 142 and 144 in the same direction will wedge the sections securely around the outer periphery of the rod, as hereinbefore set forth. Of course, the flat ends of the half sections 142 and 144 may be struck with a hammer, or the like, to assure that the sections are tightly wedged around the rod. In addition, the engagement between the teeth 162 and 164 of each section with the teeth 176 and 178 of the other section will substantially preclude any accidental reverse longitudinal movement between the sec tions upon installation of the device 140 around the rod. The locking engagement between the sections may be released by striking the flat ends of the sections 142 and 144 with a hammer, or other suitable tool, as hereinbefore set forth, for facilitating removal of the device 140 from the rod for any reason.

As hereinbefore set forth, the combined outer periphcry of each of the spiral flanges 170 defines a cylindrical surface for engagement with the inner periphery of the well tubing in order to guide the reciprocal movement of the rod therein. In addition, the spiral configuration of the flanges 170 functions as a scraper for scraping any accumulated paraffin, or the like, from the inner periphery of the well tubing. Of course, the passageways 188 and 190 formed between the two spiral flanges 170 permit the well fluid to move around the device during reciprocation of the rod, thus providing substantially no restriction to the operation of the rod in the well tubing.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel rod guide, or combination guide and paraflin scraper particularly designed and constructed for facilitating installation thereof around a reciprocal rod. The novel device comprises a pair of substantially identical half sections provided with complementary or mating tongue and groove members having wedging surfaces for securely wedging the half sections around the outer periphery of the rod upon proper longitudinal orientation of the sections. The half sections are secured around the rod without the use of extraneous of extra fastening members, thereby substantially preeluding any accidental loss of particles therefrom which might damage the pumping apparatus. The novel rod guide or combination guide and paraflin scraper is simple and eflicient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of the following claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod comprising a pair of substantially identical half sections adapted to be disposed around the rod, each of said half sections being provided with a central semi-cylindrical body portion engaging the outer periphery of the rod, tongue and groove means provided on each half section for cooperation with the tongue and groove means of the other section to wedge the sections around the outer periphery of the rod upon longitudinal orientation therebetween, and looking means provided on each half section for cooperation with the other half section to lock the half sections in said orientated position and substantially preclude accidental reverse longitudinal movement therebetween.

2. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tongue and groove means comprises a pair of outwardly directed longitudinally extending flanges provided on each half section, a pair of oppositely disposed aligned grooves provided on each half section for receiving the flanges of the other half section therein, said flanges and grooves being provided with complementary tapered surfaces to provide a wedging action therebetween upon said longitudinal orientation between the half sections.

3. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod as set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking means includes complementary teeth provided on each half section for engaging the teeth of the other half section in the tightly wedged position between the half sections.

4. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod as set forth in claim 1 wherein the tongue and groove means includes flange members provided on each half section, complementary grooves provided on each half section for slidably receiving the flange members of the other half section therein upon longitudinal orientation of the half sections, and said locking means includes serrations provided on each flange member and groove of each half section for engagement with serrations of the other half section to substantially preclude accidental reverse longitudinal movement between the half sections subsequent to longitudinal orientation therebetween for tightly wedging the sections around the rod.

5. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod as set forth in claim 1 wherein the body portion of each half section is provided with inwardly directed circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending ribs adapted to engage the outer periphery of the rod for facilitating longitudinal movement of the half sections thereon.

6. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod as set forth in claim 1 wherein outwardly directed spiral shoulder means is provided on each half section to provide a scraping action for the guide upon reciprocation of the rod.

7. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod as set forth in claim 1 wherein fluid passageways are provided on the outer periphery of each half section for facilitating passage of fluid around the guide during reciprocation of the rod.

8. A rod guide for a reciprocating rod as set forth in claim 1 wherein a portion of the outer periphery of the half sections defines a substantially cylindrical surface for facilitating the guiding of the reciprocation of the rod.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Garrott 308-4 Smith 308-4 Sherman 166-176 X Morgan 308-4 X Irwin 166-176 X Tripplehorn 166-176 Reuter et al. 166-176 Ell 166-176 X DAVID H. BROWN, Primary Examiner. 

